Paul Warne talks to www.themillers.co.uk...
Boss Paul Warne insists that the vast experience that new signing Darren Potter will bring to a youthful squad makes him an 'ideal fit' for Rotherham United.
With Warne keen to assemble a young, hungry group of players ahead of the upcoming League One campaign, the Millers boss pointed to Potter’s years in the game as one of the main reasons for opting to make him his second signing of the close season.
The 32-year-old will be reunited with a familiar face in assistant manger Richie Barker, having worked with him at stadium:mk and Warne says that the feedback from his right hand man convinced him to get the deal done.
“I think Potts is an ideal fit for us,” he told www.themillers.co.uk.
“I want someone who can control the pace of the play and someone who will allow the front five or six to really attack. He's the perfect fit for me and I think if I could have signed him five years ago, I would have.”
“He's an experienced pro that's played loads of games and he's a really good character.
“When I spoke to Richie about him he said he's one of the best pros he's ever worked with and you can't get a better commendation than that, because Richie sees the bad in everyone!
“He definitely buys into what we buy into because he's worked with Richie for years and he was happy to come back. He had a big part to play in getting him to come here because I know he had a lot of options but I know he enjoyed working with him and what he believes in, which fits in with my philosophy.”
Potter can call upon experience with the likes of Liverpool, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to joining Milton Keynes and Millers boss Warne was thrilled to add the qualities of an experienced professional, who has also graced the international stage with Republic of Ireland.
“I don't want it to feel like a youth club, but I want to get young, athletic players in and I've said that from Day One, but you have to have a platform to play,” he continued.
“I think he'll be a good, stable part of the team. I want pace and power but I also need a bit of football guile and that is definitely what he brings.
“He's been involved in promotions and I just think if you look at his playing record over the years it's hugely impressive.
The Liverpool-born midfielder has agreed a two-year deal with the Millers and his new boss is confident that he will be a hit with the home faithful, whilst freeing up teammates to express themselves.
“He looks after himself in the right way and I think he'll have a great career here,” Warne added.
“I think the fans will love him when they see him play.
“While we have some experience through the skeleton of the team, the most experienced lads we have got are Woody and Frecks.
“After that there are pockets of appearances here and there but most of them are really young lads and under 25. I think he'll be a good influence there and will allow Frecks to bomb on and he'll be able to help Vaulks.
“It's taken a long time to get through, but I'm really pleased it has and it's a great addition for all of us."